Strength Training for the Soul

Discover how two Gospel passages about Mary's contemplative heart reveal the transformative power of patience. Through personal stories and practical wisdom, we explore how Mary's example can inspire us in our fast-paced world. Learn simple ways to cultivate patience and reflection in your daily life, from family gatherings to nature walks. Join us as we begin 2025 with purpose, and share your own word for the year in our Strength Training for the Soul community.

Join host Patty Kujawa with special returning guests Jill Fischer and Claire Ziolkowski as they reflect on spiritual lessons from 2024 and share hopes for the year ahead. From dealing with seasons of spiritual dryness to finding community in faith, this candid conversation offers practical wisdom for deepening your relationship with Christ. Learn how embracing silence, maintaining daily prayer despite life's chaos, and finding the right spiritual companions can transform your journey. Whether you're feeling spiritually energized or struggling with lukewarm faith, this episode provides encouragement and concrete steps for spiritual growth in 2025.

In this special Christmas Eve episode, discover the powerful story of Joseph - a man who never spoke a word in the Bible, yet whose actions changed the course of history. Through examining Joseph's response to life-altering news and impossible situations, host Patty Kujawa unpacks timeless lessons about strength, faith, and character. Learn why true impact often comes not from speaking the loudest, but from living with unwavering conviction. Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration on how quiet faithfulness can transform lives in our noisy world.

In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, host Patty Kujawa sits down with Father Tim Schumaker, pastor of Saint Joseph Church in Grafton, WI, to explore a challenge many of us face: staying spiritually connected during busy times. Father Tim shares insights on how to combat the "busyness" that often pulls us away from meaningful prayer and spiritual growth, especially during the hectic Advent season. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by holiday preparations or simply struggling to find time for spirituality, this episode offers compassionate guidance on reconnecting with your faith, even in life's busiest moments.

In this vulnerable journey, Patty Kujawa offers a compassionate exploration of grief during the holiday season. Drawing from her personal experiences of loss, including the recent passing of her uncle and the heartbreaking loss of her son Jack, she provides a tender guide for navigating mourning during Advent. With raw honesty and spiritual wisdom, Patty reminds listeners that in our deepest pain, God is present. Emmanuel - "God with us" - offers comfort to those struggling with loss, providing hope and gentle strategies for healing.

Philanthropy isn't always about big money; when it's about big heart, the payback can be huge--for everyone involved. Jamie O'Donohue, owner of O'Donohue's Pub, shares how ordinary people can make extraordinary differences through time, talent, and genuine service. From overcoming personal struggles to supporting local charities, Jamie shows that giving back isn't a burden—it's a joy that can transform both the giver and the community.

We all have that ONE family member who knows exactly how to push our buttons. This episode is your survival guide for turning potential conflict into an opportunity for spiritual growth, one generous moment at a time.

Joe Meyer, director of the Catholic Ecology Center and environmental science teacher, shares how his passion for faith and nature led to creating a unique ministry. From his personal journey to the founding of the Catholic Ecology Center, Meyer discusses how spending time in nature can deepen our spiritual lives and help us hear God's voice more clearly. He offers practical wisdom for answering God's call and finding divine beauty in the natural world.

In this timely episode, explore how an ancient story about a widow's trust can speak to our modern uncertainties. Through the metaphor of a never-emptying flour jar, discover how faith works in both life's daily moments and its biggest challenges. Perfect for anyone seeking perspective after the election season or during times of change.

Ever wonder how people know they're on the right path? When investment banker David Sweeney started having thoughts about priesthood, he tried to ignore them. He thought the priesthood was a fine life, it just wasn't one for him. In this episode, Fr. Sweeney shares how daily prayer transformed his life and helped him discover his true calling—and how it can help you find yours. #PurposeDriven #FaithJourney #Catholic #SpiritualGrowth

After months of strengthening our spiritual foundations through Daily Prayer, Scripture, and the Sacraments, we're ready to level up! In this special check-in episode, we introduce 'Strength Spotting' - our new segment celebrating God's daily presence - and look ahead to inspiring stories of ordinary people who relied on these same fundamentals to discover their extraordinary purpose. Plus, find out how a simple retreat question sparked this very podcast!

In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, we're hitting the Bible gym for a serious workout! Join us as we explore why Scripture is the ultimate protein shake for your faith and learn some killer techniques to make your Bible study sessions more effective. Our spiritual personal trainers, Jill and Claire from St. Dominic Parish, spot us as we lift the heavy questions: Why is Scripture so crucial? How do we choose the right Bible? And what's the best way to build a consistent Scripture routine? We'll share tips on how to start small, choose the right 'equipment', and gradually increase your Scripture 'reps'.

Time for a quick spiritual workout! In this "Check-In" episode, we're spotting your sacramental practice. Discover how Confession and Eucharist act as your spiritual gym sessions, helping you shed the weight of mistakes and bulk up on divine grace. Get practical tips on finding Mass and Confession times, and learn why these sacraments are crucial for tethering yourself to God. Plus, get a book recommendation to deepen your Eucharistic experience. Let's keep those spiritual muscles flexing!

Ever wonder how to stay connected to Jesus in your daily life? Join us as we dive into the power of sacraments! We're mainly talking about two sacraments you'll want to keep in your back pocket: the Eucharist and Reconciliation. Plus, we'll chat about what makes the sacrament of marriage so sacred. Here's a fun tidbit: one of our guests says going to Reconciliation is like visiting a doctor for your soul. Intrigued? Tune in to learn how these sacraments can transform your faith journey!

In this quick Check-in Day episode, we revisit daily prayer. Get encouragement and practical tips to enhance your conversation with God, no matter your experience level. Learn how to make the most of your prayer time and kickstart a consistent routine. Join us for this spiritual strength training session!

Explore the rich world of daily prayer with experts Claire Ziolkowski and Jill Fischer. Discover the differences between vocal and mental prayer, learn practical tips for consistent devotion, and find out why your favorite chair (or even a closet!) might be the perfect prayer spot. Whether you're a novice or looking to deepen your practice, gain insights to transform your daily connection with God. Remember, prayer isn't about perfection—it's about presence. #DailyPrayer #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney

In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, we’re checking in on your progress with our first assignment: establishing a daily routine of prayer, sacraments, and Scripture reading. Today, I’m joined by Mitch Sadowsky, my physical strength trainer. Mitch shares his expertise on how to make habits stick, offering practical strategies and insights. I’ll be breaking down his key takeaways and exploring how these principles can be applied to strengthen our spiritual practices and build our spiritual resilience. Tune in as we connect the dots between physical and spiritual strength, and discover how to turn these habits into powerful building blocks for your faith journey.

In this episode of Strength Training for the Soul, we explore the spiritual practices that are the bedrock of a strong relationship with Jesus Christ: daily prayer, the sacraments, and reading Scripture. Why are these disciplines so essential to our faith journey? How do they transform our hearts and deepen our connection with God? Join us for a faith-filled conversation as we dive into the power of prayer, the grace received through the sacraments, and the living Word of God that nourishes our souls. Whether you're seeking a more consistent spiritual routine or desiring a closer walk with Christ, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement for making these practices a vital part of your daily life.

In this first episode of Strength Training for the Soul, we introduce a brand new podcast designed to help you deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ and grow in spiritual strength. We will examine the state of our Catholic faith and why new insights and practical tools to enrich your spiritual life might be needed to cultivate a closer connection with our Lord. Whether you’re new to the Catholic walk or looking to renew your relationship with God, this podcast will offer the encouragement and guidance you need to build your faith from the inside out. Tune in, and let’s begin this journey together!